They called it the Exodus
-- journey from slavery to
freedom
In the course of the journey, Moses was invited by God to
climb a mountain - Mount Sinai
There he spent 40 days with God.
On that mountain he received what we call the Decalogue –
the 10 Commandments – laws for living – to keep the community together.
The people treasured this gift from God and eventually
people built a container for them “Ark
of the Covenant”
Placed inside: two
tablets - and later: jar of manna –
staff of Moses
They carried it everywhere – when they stopped, they put it under
a tent called Tabernacle
Glory of God would descend upon it “Shekinah”
During the reign of King David – he decided to take the Ark
up to Jerusalem
During this grand procession, the Bible describes David “dancing before the Lord” “skirtao”
Later, his son, Solomon, would build a temple, and the Ark
would be placed in the “Holy of
Holies”
586 BC Babylonians
destroyed Jerusalem
2 Maccabees suggests that Jeremiah hid the ark in the
mountains.
Everyone looking for the ark since them – including Indiana
Jones.
Many years later, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to a young
woman of Nazareth
Hail full of grace, the Lord is with you! -
the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will
overshadow you! “shekinah same word!
Mary said - I am the handmaid of the Lord – let it be done
to me according to thy word.
Moment of the Incarnation.
She becomes the dwelling place of God. The ark in human form!!!
Mary – arose -
“anistemi” same word for
resurrection. Came across the hill
country – to a town outside Jerusalem.
Ein Kerin
She greeted Elizabeth – and Elizabeth said - Blessed are you
among woman, and blessed is the fruit of your womb – as she said this, she felt
her son John dance within her -“skirtao”
- like David dancing before the ark
Mary was given a title 325 Ephesus - Theotokos - God
bearer - she brings God’s light, God’s
joy!!!
Jewish Tradition – Ark in each Synagogue – Torah scrolls
Catholic Tradition - Tabernacle -
Eucharist - True presence of
Jesus
But both limited by place
Receive HC - we become Arks as it were
With opportunity to bring Jesus wherever we go.
Imagine what would happen if:
We bring Jesus to school, business, home, shopping
We have purpose – God’s needs us to bring Jesus there!!!
We are God bearers!!!
Like Mary, may we bring Jesus to a waiting world!
